NoHo's Lifeline
Taxpayer money will help build massive project near Red Line station
By Daryl Paranada
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, local public officials, and community leaders were on hand Monday to break ground on the latest phase of a revitalization project in North Hollywood. The final phase of the NoHo Commons project costs $79.4 million and will bring a Laemmle Theater, retail, and restaurant space to nearly three acres one block from the North Hollywood Metro station.
“This project will represent another step forward in the push to invest in smart, transit-oriented growth with affordable housing and retail,” said Villaraigosa. “NoHo Commons is a bright star in the constellation of revitalization that has arrived here in North Hollywood thanks to the ascendancy of the NoHo arts district.”
A joint deal between the J.H. Synder Company and the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, the project is the final component of a three-phase, $375 million revitalization effort that began in 2001. The first phase brought 438 mixed-income housing units to the area. The second phase, completed last year, contains nearly 300 rental units and 60,000-square feet of retail space, housing a supermarket, bank, and several restaurants. The latest phase will include a Class A office complex and parking garage.
“NoHo Commons is the place where L.A.’s past and future intersects in a grand fashion. This project has affordable housing, fine dining, shopping and entertainment, office space and it’s easily accessed by public transportation,” said Cecilia V. Estolano, CEO of the redevelopment agency. “It’s going to build on the cultural identity of the NoHo arts district and make this an even more significant entertainment center for the Valley.”
According to Estolano, $8.5 million of public funds is going towards the project, which she believes will help the area become one of the hottest office markets in the region within a decade.
“We’re getting an outstanding example of what happens when a developer works with the community, works with the CRA and creates a balance of opportunities and benefits,” said Estolano, noting that the project will also include a streetscape and arts component.
One of the cornerstones of the project will be a seven-screen Laemmle Theater, an art house chain that has remained an L.A. county institution since 1938.
“Development tends to be a negative word in this town, but people are very happy to see us come because they know that the name means something, what it stands for, and it’s a great amenity for the community to be able to see the types of films that we play here in this location without having to go over the hill or go a long distance,” said Greg Laemmle, the president of the theater chain. “In many ways this area represents the one authentic urban environment in the Valley and I think enhancing that and concentrating it with the density of housing and with the cultural, 24-hour amenities is just a great opportunity.”
City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who represents the area, recalled the days when Lankershim Boulevard was one of the commercial hubs of the city. “This was the main drag in the Valley,” said LaBonge. “As years passed it became a challenge. It became a challenge for many years where it wasn’t a place where people wanted to be. But artists came and entrepreneurs came and they created a NoHo kind of concept where people said this is a special place to be.”
Addressing concerns about the amount of growth occurring in the area, LaBonge said that there would be a balance between protecting the neighborhoods and bringing quality development to North Hollywood.
Among those who would be affected by the development was Peter Svidler, a developer building two residential complexes in the NoHo Commons area. “Having anything like this would certainly help bring buyers back to the area,” said Svidler. “I think it’s making it into a much nicer area with a great future.”
Published: 03/26/2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
NORTH HOLLYWOOD REVITALIZATION
North Hollywood Revitalization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2008
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, CITY LEADERS BREAK GROUND ON FINAL PHASE OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
http://mayor.lacity.org/villaraigosaplan/EconomicDevelopment/LACITY_004501.htm
Latest addition to NoHo Commons will bring a coveted Laemmle Theater, along with jobs and investment, to the San Fernando Valley
NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Advancing his goal to attract new investment to the City in order to stimulate the economy and create jobs, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and leaders from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA/LA), JH Snyder and Laemmle Theatres broke ground on the third and final phase of the NoHo Commons project.
The new phase of the project will feature a seven-screen Laemmle Theatres complex along with 200,000 square feet of office space, 42,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space and nine residential units. Started in 2001, the three-phase, $375 million NoHo Commons project represents one of the City’s most significant efforts to revitalize North Hollywood and construct a transit-oriented development within walking distance of the North Hollywood Metro and Orange Line station.
Read more about the project at CRA/LA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2008
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, CITY LEADERS BREAK GROUND ON FINAL PHASE OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
http://mayor.lacity.org/villaraigosaplan/EconomicDevelopment/LACITY_004501.htm
Latest addition to NoHo Commons will bring a coveted Laemmle Theater, along with jobs and investment, to the San Fernando Valley
NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Advancing his goal to attract new investment to the City in order to stimulate the economy and create jobs, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and leaders from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA/LA), JH Snyder and Laemmle Theatres broke ground on the third and final phase of the NoHo Commons project.
The new phase of the project will feature a seven-screen Laemmle Theatres complex along with 200,000 square feet of office space, 42,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space and nine residential units. Started in 2001, the three-phase, $375 million NoHo Commons project represents one of the City’s most significant efforts to revitalize North Hollywood and construct a transit-oriented development within walking distance of the North Hollywood Metro and Orange Line station.
Read more about the project at CRA/LA
Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilmember LaBonge, CRA/LA, J.H. Snyder Break Ground on $79.4M Third Phase of Noho Commons
Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilmember LaBonge, CRA/LA, J.H. Snyder Break Ground on $79.4M Third Phase of Noho Commons.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Mayor+Villaraigosa%2c+Councilmember+LaBonge%2c+CRA%2fLA%2c+J.H.+Snyder+Break...-a0176987267
Third Phase Features Office Complex, Theater and Family Diner within One Block of North Hollywood MTA Station; New Phase Brings Total Value to $375 Million
LOS ANGELES -- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and local public officials along with the J.H. Snyder Company and Laemmle Theatres, broke ground today on the third and final phase of the NoHo Commons project. The $79.4 million third phase, located on nearly three acres at the corner of Lankershim and Weddington, will include a new Laemmle theater, a Class A office complex and a family diner.
This latest component of North Hollywood's revitalization is part of a joint deal between the J.H. Snyder Company and the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) to redevelop and construct a transit oriented development (TOD) near the North Hollywood station.
"The NoHo Commons will bring jobs and economic vitality to the heart of the San Fernando Valley," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "This project represents the best in smart, transit-oriented growth - and it will play a leading role in North Hollywood's resurgence and the Valley's revitalization."
"What a great day for NoHo," Councilmember LaBonge said. "This project creates a crossroads for culture and commerce at the transit crossroads of this very important part of the San Fernando Valley," added LaBonge.
This phase of the project will include a seven-screen movie theater, top-class office space and restoration of a historic, San Fernando Valley diner under approvals granted Thursday, March 20 by the Board of Commissioners of the CRA/LA. It is advantageously located one block from one of the largest transportation hubs in the San Fernando Valley comprising the North Hollywood Metro station and Orange Line, and is adjacent to the Academy of Television Arts, home of the Emmys.
"We are pleased to be able to partner with the Community Redevelopment Agency on the third phase of this important project," said Jerry Snyder, Senior Partner, J.H. Snyder Company. "Not only will the project bring jobs to the community, but it will also help meet the growing demand for housing, retail and office space in the area. NoHo is one of the most exciting redevelopment areas in the city, and we know that the NoHo Commons will be a part of that exciting growth."
Community benefits include a One Stop Employment Center to be run by LA Valley College Jobs Coalition in 500 square feet of the office space. J.H. Snyder Company will also provide $1.5 million to Los Angeles Valley Community College Family Resource Center to train child care professionals and $3.25 million to Valley Community Clinic to refinance their facility and expand their clinical space for pediatric and other programs.
"Building a healthy community is more than just developing office space and housing. It's about creating economic opportunity and improving the quality of life for the people who live in the surrounding areas," said Cecilia V. Estolano, CRA/LA's Chief Executive Officer. "This project is an outstanding example of the type of well-balanced community benefits we can achieve when a developer, community groups and CRA/LA work together," Estolano added.
Pending City Council approval, CRA/LA-owned property at 5250-5280 North Lankershim Blvd and 11140 Weddington St. will be conveyed to SL NoHo, LLC, operated by JH Snyder. The firm will begin work on the third phase of NoHo Commons immediately. This is part of the three-phase $375 million project started in 2001 within the North Hollywood Redevelopment Project in the CRA/LA's East Valley Region.
"NoHo Commons has helped create several hundred new jobs, removed overcrowded and substandard housing, spurred new development, added public art and $6 million in infrastructure improvements and brought in a HOWS supermarket, plus a variety of restaurants and cafes," said CRA/LA Chairman William H. Jackson. "By adding a major movie house and restoring a unique, historic diner, the third-phase makes the area even more of an appealing destination and meets North Hollywood Redevelopment Plan goals."
Phase III, NoHo Common's final portion, will include an 182,000-square-foot office building with 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space; a 30,000-square-foot, seven-screen Laemmle Theater; and a 700-space parking garage.
"We are very excited about this opportunity to serve as one of the key arts anchors for the dynamic NoHo Arts District," say Jay Reisbaum, Senior Vice President of Laemmle Theatres. "We are planning a significant upgrade to the art film experience with amenities like stadium seating, high back love seats, all digital sound, wall to wall screens and high end architecture."
The 1920s era Phil's Diner designed in a railroad car style by Charles Amend and with a distinctive neon sign overhead, previously served generations in the San Fernando Valley from a spot on Chandler Boulevard. The diner will be relocated within the project and the diner's missing, original sign recreated.
As part of the financing agreement, the CRA/LA will provide the site to J.H. Snyder Company for one dollar, and then refund J.H. Snyder Company $3 million in land acquisition payments. The CRA/LA will also pay the company $4.2 million for providing public and theater parking for 45 years.
The NoHo Commons project was approved in 2001. Phase I, completed in December 2006, contains a 438-unit mixed-income residential rental project. Phase II, completed June 2007, contains 292 units of loft and live/work rentals and 60,000 square feet of retail/commercial space including the HOWS supermarket, a bank, mobile phone store and several restaurants.
About the North Hollywood Redevelopment District:
The 743-acre, North Hollywood Redevelopment District, is in the heart of the East San Fernando Valley and within the CRA/LA's East Valley Region. Since 1979, the CRA/LA has overseen the addition of new office towers, entertainment facilities, shopping centers and rehabilitated housing. Currently, the focus is on the NoHo Arts District, home to over 30 live theaters.
About CRA/LA:
CRA/LA (www.crala.org) is a public agency regulated by the State of California and operating within the City of Los Angeles. It attracts private investment into economically depressed communities to eliminate blight, revitalize older neighborhoods, build housing for all income levels and create and retain employment opportunities. CRA/LA manages 32 redevelopment projects areas and three revitalization areas in seven regions: East Valley, West Valley, Hollywood & Central, Downtown, Eastside, South Los Angeles, and the Harbor.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Mayor+Villaraigosa%2c+Councilmember+LaBonge%2c+CRA%2fLA%2c+J.H.+Snyder+Break...-a0176987267
Third Phase Features Office Complex, Theater and Family Diner within One Block of North Hollywood MTA Station; New Phase Brings Total Value to $375 Million
LOS ANGELES -- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and local public officials along with the J.H. Snyder Company and Laemmle Theatres, broke ground today on the third and final phase of the NoHo Commons project. The $79.4 million third phase, located on nearly three acres at the corner of Lankershim and Weddington, will include a new Laemmle theater, a Class A office complex and a family diner.
This latest component of North Hollywood's revitalization is part of a joint deal between the J.H. Snyder Company and the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) to redevelop and construct a transit oriented development (TOD) near the North Hollywood station.
"The NoHo Commons will bring jobs and economic vitality to the heart of the San Fernando Valley," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "This project represents the best in smart, transit-oriented growth - and it will play a leading role in North Hollywood's resurgence and the Valley's revitalization."
"What a great day for NoHo," Councilmember LaBonge said. "This project creates a crossroads for culture and commerce at the transit crossroads of this very important part of the San Fernando Valley," added LaBonge.
This phase of the project will include a seven-screen movie theater, top-class office space and restoration of a historic, San Fernando Valley diner under approvals granted Thursday, March 20 by the Board of Commissioners of the CRA/LA. It is advantageously located one block from one of the largest transportation hubs in the San Fernando Valley comprising the North Hollywood Metro station and Orange Line, and is adjacent to the Academy of Television Arts, home of the Emmys.
"We are pleased to be able to partner with the Community Redevelopment Agency on the third phase of this important project," said Jerry Snyder, Senior Partner, J.H. Snyder Company. "Not only will the project bring jobs to the community, but it will also help meet the growing demand for housing, retail and office space in the area. NoHo is one of the most exciting redevelopment areas in the city, and we know that the NoHo Commons will be a part of that exciting growth."
Community benefits include a One Stop Employment Center to be run by LA Valley College Jobs Coalition in 500 square feet of the office space. J.H. Snyder Company will also provide $1.5 million to Los Angeles Valley Community College Family Resource Center to train child care professionals and $3.25 million to Valley Community Clinic to refinance their facility and expand their clinical space for pediatric and other programs.
"Building a healthy community is more than just developing office space and housing. It's about creating economic opportunity and improving the quality of life for the people who live in the surrounding areas," said Cecilia V. Estolano, CRA/LA's Chief Executive Officer. "This project is an outstanding example of the type of well-balanced community benefits we can achieve when a developer, community groups and CRA/LA work together," Estolano added.
Pending City Council approval, CRA/LA-owned property at 5250-5280 North Lankershim Blvd and 11140 Weddington St. will be conveyed to SL NoHo, LLC, operated by JH Snyder. The firm will begin work on the third phase of NoHo Commons immediately. This is part of the three-phase $375 million project started in 2001 within the North Hollywood Redevelopment Project in the CRA/LA's East Valley Region.
"NoHo Commons has helped create several hundred new jobs, removed overcrowded and substandard housing, spurred new development, added public art and $6 million in infrastructure improvements and brought in a HOWS supermarket, plus a variety of restaurants and cafes," said CRA/LA Chairman William H. Jackson. "By adding a major movie house and restoring a unique, historic diner, the third-phase makes the area even more of an appealing destination and meets North Hollywood Redevelopment Plan goals."
Phase III, NoHo Common's final portion, will include an 182,000-square-foot office building with 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space; a 30,000-square-foot, seven-screen Laemmle Theater; and a 700-space parking garage.
"We are very excited about this opportunity to serve as one of the key arts anchors for the dynamic NoHo Arts District," say Jay Reisbaum, Senior Vice President of Laemmle Theatres. "We are planning a significant upgrade to the art film experience with amenities like stadium seating, high back love seats, all digital sound, wall to wall screens and high end architecture."
The 1920s era Phil's Diner designed in a railroad car style by Charles Amend and with a distinctive neon sign overhead, previously served generations in the San Fernando Valley from a spot on Chandler Boulevard. The diner will be relocated within the project and the diner's missing, original sign recreated.
As part of the financing agreement, the CRA/LA will provide the site to J.H. Snyder Company for one dollar, and then refund J.H. Snyder Company $3 million in land acquisition payments. The CRA/LA will also pay the company $4.2 million for providing public and theater parking for 45 years.
The NoHo Commons project was approved in 2001. Phase I, completed in December 2006, contains a 438-unit mixed-income residential rental project. Phase II, completed June 2007, contains 292 units of loft and live/work rentals and 60,000 square feet of retail/commercial space including the HOWS supermarket, a bank, mobile phone store and several restaurants.
About the North Hollywood Redevelopment District:
The 743-acre, North Hollywood Redevelopment District, is in the heart of the East San Fernando Valley and within the CRA/LA's East Valley Region. Since 1979, the CRA/LA has overseen the addition of new office towers, entertainment facilities, shopping centers and rehabilitated housing. Currently, the focus is on the NoHo Arts District, home to over 30 live theaters.
About CRA/LA:
CRA/LA (www.crala.org) is a public agency regulated by the State of California and operating within the City of Los Angeles. It attracts private investment into economically depressed communities to eliminate blight, revitalize older neighborhoods, build housing for all income levels and create and retain employment opportunities. CRA/LA manages 32 redevelopment projects areas and three revitalization areas in seven regions: East Valley, West Valley, Hollywood & Central, Downtown, Eastside, South Los Angeles, and the Harbor.
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